The Music Modernization Act unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday with 415 votes. The bipartisan legislation now heads to the Senate. If passed and signed into law, the MMA brings copyright law and royalty payments to songwriters and musicians into the digital age.
Backed by most music industry trade groups and major music companies, The Music Modernization Act combines three bills, including the original Music Modernization Act, which mandates a new organization to collect mechanical royalties and offers streaming music services protection from copyright infringement lawsuits filed after this last January. Also a part of the expanded legislation is the Compensating Legacy Artists for their Songs, Service, and Important Contributions to Society (CLASSICS) Act, Allocation for Music Producers (AMP) Act and part of the Fair Play Fair Pay Act which changes how the Copyright Royalty Board sets streaming rates.
Industry Reaction
“This is an historic day for music creators. Today’s overwhelming support in the House for the Music Modernization Act reflects the bill’s widespread consensus, both across the aisle and across the music industry,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “This legislation stands to benefit artists, songwriters, labels, publishers, studio producers and others – many of whom are represented by the SoundExchange Companies.”